Novella facts for kids
A novella is a type of story that is longer than a short story but shorter than a full-length novel. Think of it as a medium-sized book! Sometimes, people also call it a "novellette."
Contents
What is a Novella?
A novella tells a complete story, often focusing on just a few characters and a main event. It's not as long as a novel, so it usually doesn't have many different storylines or a huge cast of characters. It's perfect for a quick, but still deep, reading experience.
How Long is a Novella?
There isn't one exact rule for how long a novella must be, but generally, it falls within a certain word count.
- Most novellas are between 17,500 and 40,000 words long.
- To give you an idea, this is usually about 60 to 120 pages in a printed book.
This length allows authors to explore a topic or character in more detail than a short story, but without the commitment of a very long novel.
Why Do Authors Write Novellas?
Authors choose to write novellas for several reasons.
- They can focus on a single, powerful idea or conflict.
- It allows them to develop characters more deeply than in a short story.
- Novellas can be quicker to write and publish than novels.
For readers, novellas are great because they can be read in one or two sittings. They offer a complete story without requiring a lot of time.
Novella vs. Novel vs. Short Story
Understanding the difference between these three types of fiction can help you appreciate each one. They are all ways to tell a story, but they use different amounts of space.
The Short Story
A short story is usually very brief, often under 7,500 words. It focuses on a single event or moment and has very few characters. Short stories are designed to be read in one sitting.
The Novel
A novel is a long work of fiction, typically over 40,000 words. Novels can have many characters, complex plots, and multiple storylines. They often explore themes and ideas in great depth over a long period.
The Novella's Place
The novella sits right in the middle. It has more room than a short story to develop characters and plot, but it's more focused than a novel. It's a great choice for stories that need more than a quick glance but don't require an epic journey.
Famous Novellas You Might Know
Many famous and beloved stories are actually novellas. Here are a few examples:
- Flatland by Edwin A. Abbot (1884): This story is about a two-dimensional world and is a clever way to think about different dimensions.
- Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (1937): A powerful story about friendship and dreams during tough times in America.
- A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (1843): The classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his journey to kindness.
- The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1943): A philosophical story about a young prince traveling through space.
- Animal Farm by George Orwell (1945): A story about farm animals who take over their farm, which is a famous political allegory.
History of the Novella
The idea of a "novella" has been around for a long time. In Italy during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, a "novella" (meaning "new thing" or "short story") was a short, often humorous or moral tale. Over time, the form evolved. In the 19th and 20th centuries, many famous authors used the novella to tell focused, impactful stories that didn't fit the length of a short story or a full novel. It remains a popular form for writers today.
See also
In Spanish: Novela corta para niños
